12 Uses For Iodine (And Other Tips, Research, and Resources)

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The following article will give you a better understanding of the most common uses for iodine as a supplement. Iodine is an essential micronutrient that’s readily available in a wide selection of foods and in dietary supplements.[1]

12 Uses for Iodine

Iodine plays an important role in your health, particularly related to energy and metabolism. It is also used widely in society for its many benefits. Below are the top uses for iodine!

1. Neutralizes Radiation Exposure

Potassium iodide has been used to help individuals exposed to radioactive forms of iodine that are released during nuclear events, such as Chernobyl or Fukushima. Potassium iodide works by flooding the thyroid with a safe form of iodine and preventing radioactive iodine ions from being absorbed by the thyroid.[2]

2. Acts as a Sterilizing Agent

Whether they’re used in the hospital or your everyday first aid kit, many sterilization products contain iodine. It is an effective wound cleaner that eliminates germs on the skin and is often applied before and after surgery.[3]

Iodine tablets, in the form of tetraglycine hydroperiodide, are considered the safest way to sterilize water on backcountry camping and hiking trips. However, use of these tablets can reduce thyroid function, so they’re best used only for temporary, emergency situations.[4]

3. Promotes Thyroid Health

Eating foods that provide enough iodine is a must when it comes to supporting your overall thyroid health. The thyroid gland, which is located in the neck, requires iodine to produce metabolic hormones that are used throughout the body.[1]

People who are iodine deficient can experience fatigue, brain fog, lowered immune system health, and other symptoms.[1] An extreme iodine deficiency can produce goiter, a swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck. If you don’t get enough iodine in your diet, a supplement can fill the gaps in your nutritional requirements and support a healthy thyroid.

4. Supports a Normal Metabolism

If you have an overactive thyroid, your metabolism may speed up, leading to weight loss and other issues. If you have an underactive thyroid, the opposite can happen, leading to weight gain. Normal iodine levels ensure the smooth functioning of the thyroid gland, which, in turn, regulate metabolism.[5]

Iodine is a vasodilator, meaning it encourages normal blood flow; thus it can also warm the body and steady the heart rate. If you’re trying to boost your metabolism, your iodine intake is just one of the factors you should consider.

5. Deters Harmful Organisms

As helpful as iodine is for the human body, it’s not gentle on harmful organisms.[3, 6] There are some commercially available 1 percent iodine-povidone throat gargle solutions that are helpful for a cough or a sore throat since iodine can nix germs causing these symptoms. Iodine was once used as an expectorant of mucus in cough medicines, but few contain it in modern times.[7]

6. Forms a Cornerstone of Breast Health

Much research is underway on the role of iodine in breast health and function.[8, 9, 10, 11] In addition to the thyroid gland, breast tissue contains high amounts of iodine.

Iodine, an essential nutrient for a child’s proper growth and brain development, is passed on to children through breast milk. Because many nursing mothers are deficient in iodine[12], it’s especially important to be aware of your nutritional intake and alter your diet accordingly to receive all the nutrients your body requires.

7. Encourages Ovarian Health

Interestingly, low levels of iodine intake are thought to create a cascading series of hormone changes that lead to a hyper-estrogen state, which is linked to poor ovarian, endometrial and breast health.[11]

8. Sharpens Neurological Health

Infants and young children can experience mental deficiencies and disabilities due to a lack of iodine.[1] As a preventative measure, it is important that mothers get enough of this micronutrient throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding.[12]

If that’s not achievable with food alone, I recommend using a safe and effective nascent iodine supplement.

9. Supports Vaginal Balance

A povione-iodine solution may reduce the vaginal irritation, itching, and discharge associated with recurring yeast imbalances with excellent success rates.[13]

10. Promotes Eye Health

A lack of iodine can cause dry eyes, and iodine is used to address a number of different eye conditions. Since iodine is a broad-spectrum antiseptic, it is used around the world to prevent blindness in newborns. Povidone-iodine drops are often used pre- and post-surgery to keep germs out of the eyes and prevent infections.[14] It is also a natural protectant against UVB radiation in the eyes.[15]

11. Encourages Healthy-Looking Skin and Hair

Iodine is commonly included in skin care products to help promote a clear complexion. Iodine is also a nutrient that supports healthy-looking hair.[16] In fact, healthy development of skin, teeth, and bone all depend upon normal thyroid hormone levels, which depend on an adequate supply of iodine.[1]

12. Powerful Antioxidant

Regarding its antioxidant activity, iodine is as effective as vitamin C. Specifically, it is a strong antioxidant for the blood.[4] Learn more about the benefits of antioxidants.

Tips for Taking Iodine

Although it’s best to get your nutrition from food, supplements can help where an imbalanced diet falls short. Taking an iodine supplement is a safe and effective way to ensure you get the iodine your body requires. I recommend nascent iodine, which is one of the most bioavailable forms, which means the body readily absorbs it.

What’s Your Story?

How do you use iodine? Is there a use we haven’t covered here? Leave a comment below and share your experience with us.

†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.

26 responses to “12 Uses For Iodine (And Other Tips, Research, and Resources)”

Purchase a USP Tincture of Iodine from your local drugstore. Use a cotton ball to absorb some iodine from the tincture.
Rub about the size of a silver dollar of iodine on your upper inner
arm midway between the bicep and tricep muscle. Note the time of
application.
If the brownish/orange color disappears within 2-4 hours after
application you are extremely deficient and could use supplementation.
If you are not deficient in iodine then the circle should remain
slightly orange 24 hours later.

Sources of iodine deficiency in humans, isn’t just from plants/veggies, that are grown from iodine deficient soil, its also, from Halides or Halogens, …ie. Chlorine, Fluoride, and Bromines. They compete with Iodine in the body and reduce iodine levels, thus creating deficiencies in humans. Bromines in use in Sodas, Bakery goods, and more. Fluorides are put in our mouthwashes and toothpastes, and Chlorine & Chlorimines are put in our water supplies, and of course, used in pools and spas. ALL are carcenogenic and Deplete Iodine.
In the last 30yrs. Iodine deficiency has increased 50% . Its believed that 95% of the public is lacking iodine in adequate amounts, thus causing a host of health related issues. Check your iodine levels. Also,its viewed by prominent MDs, researchers and scientists, that the RDA of iodine is TOO low, as well as, many other minerals and vitamins, the RDA lists, for daily human intake.
Processed Iodized salt is also inadequate, in providing sufficient levels for iodine uptake, in the human body. .

Dear doctor: my doctor removed my thyroid many years ago. I have much less hair, extreme menopausal hot flashes that are like showers and make me wet to my knees. It’s like a flash flood. I can’t sleep at night although I’m paying for bio hormonal therapy. Lots of money and still can’t go to store without a hot flood. Do you have suggestions. My thyroid was removed by a sick doctor. I questioned him about the need for medicine to offset the thyroid function after he had it radio actively substance removed. All I complained about was a little dizziness. Help I’m dying and I’m broke. Mg

[…] Iodine has an enormous range of uses. It protects people who’ve been exposed to radiation. It can be used as a douche to ease vaginitis. Its as good an antioxidant as vitamin C. It boosts metabolism. The range of iodine’s uses is astounding. If you’re wondering what could prove to be the single most important supplement or dietary consideration, the first place to look is iodine. […]

One reason being… applying iodine to certain epidermis areas is generally done to identify iodine deficiency. Iodine comes in our foods we eat and absorbed from them into our thyroid for proper function. A deficiency of iodine can result in Hypothyroidism and unfortunately, millions of Americans are deficient in Iodine, due in part to Bromines being added to our foods, ie. breads, pastries, & sports drinks for example. Bromines are halogens causing health problems and deprives the thyroid of Iodine.

I have a question. I had surgery on my stomach recently and I am worried about gaining lumpy scar tissue all over stomach. Is iodine (5% lugols) along with some grapeseed oil a good way to prevent scar tissue? I read some studies that iodine helps reduce keloid scarring. What about internal scar tissue all over stomach? Thanks!

[…] This mineral is needed to address problems such as goiter. Goiter is the medical condition where the thyroid is inflamed or irritated. To combat this problem, proper iodine supplementation may be needed. Also, the mineral is known to be an excellent sterilizer. In fact, it is used in surgical operations to clean the skin before the operation is made. It makes sure that the entire operation is sterile and avoid future problems with infection caused by the surgery. Since it is an effective cleaner, it is also used as vaginal wash to treat vaginitis. Read more about the other uses of iodine here. […]

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